May 23, wow.  It’s been two months since I last wrote and alot has happened.

Let’s see, to catch things up, on April 12 we moved into 2438 Barnsbury Rd in East Lansing.  We left everything in boxes and continued to stay at our friends house because my last chemo was just days away and I was more familiar with that place plus all our stuff was still in boxes.  I had my last chemo on April 16.  my concern was right, it was a whopper.

The dr. warned me that as we went along it would take me longer to bounce back and my symptoms could be worse, they were.  On April 20 I had a seizure like response from the chemo and dehydration and spent 2 days in the hospital.  Not fun.  I got home from the hospital and continued to get better, thank goodness.  That, of course kept us from going over to the house to unpack as quickly as we had hoped.

I just have to say, during my down days I have had many friends help along the way and come stay with me while Scott went to work.  In Albuquerque all my neighbors took turns looking after me and cooking for me.  Loretta, Linda, Dorothy, Catherine, Robin and Liz.  I couldn’t have done it without them.

Then we moved here.  Between Scott staying on some days Kip and Jane came over several days, Amy stayed with me, Sandy dropped in and made dinner several times, Tammie came over to keep me company because I was going crazy being cooped up.  My sis Patti was there several times to let the dog out while we were in Ann Arbor getting my chemo.  Mary and Laurie made dinner all the way from Novi  and Rochester Hills and got it to us too.  I really don’t know how we would have done it without their help.  I love you all, you are there when needed, not just for the fun times.

So, I finally get to feeling well enough to go unpack some boxes at the new  house.  It was and still is a very slow process but we are making some head way.  We’ve been in for almost a month and it’s looking like a home now.  We have lots in the basement to go through though.  We are trying to lighten our load so there is lots to be done and gone through.  My energy level has not come back yet, I sleep alot during the day and don’t cook very often which I miss doing.  After all, how are you supposed to eat well through cancer if there’s no one doing the cooking but we try our best.  We eat salads as much as possible for greens and veggies.

Scott and I go to a few functions.  One was a big band jazz evening where we did some swing dancing.  We go out with friends, things are starting to get somewhat normal but my stamina is still low.

One Saturday night in May we get invited to Michelle’s 50th birthday party.  Scott and I go and it is very fun, lots of music from the 70s and I dance with Scott a few times, it was wonderful.  We had a great time.  We left before I got tired and went to  bed when we got home.  The next day we were supposed to go to a function with Scott’s dad in Ann Arbor and I get up dizzy and lightheaded and can’t move off the couch.  I’m thinking..what now?  Could my blood be off somehow?  It’s been weeks since my last chemo and this is strange.

We let it go until Tues, no better, we call the nurse who says it’s not right and she sends us to ER again.  Well, they do a work up and find that my blood is basically fine and I have positional vertigo.  Just when I’m supposed to be feeling better I can’t walk across the room without it spinning and feeling like crap.  They tell us sometimes it’s viral, sometimes it’s brought on by allergies….basically there’s not much they can do for you but to ride it out…which I’m doing and it’s getting better, slowly.  I’ve identified that bending over sets it off, otherwise I’m fine.

Forgot to say that I had a CT scan last week to check me for any new cancer growing.  Went to the dr. on Friday and he gave us great news that I’m in remission with no cancer growing.

It’s been over a month since my last chemo and my hair is starting to grow back in , it’s all fuzzy like a peach on top.  My energy seems to be there but the vertigo makes it hard for me sometimes.  I don’t know how long that will last, hopefully not long.

I still need to consult with the breast group at the cancer center, being BRCA 1 positive I can’t just  not think about them, I don’t have that luxury.  Being BRCA positive means you give things special consideration.  Not having any ovaries means my estrogen level is very low which gives me some protection in the breast department but I’m not relaxing about it.  I have an appt in a couple of weeks for a consult for just this purpose.  All this while I watch my skin for melanoma to come back.

I tell ya, my new reality is very different than my old one was.  The good thing is that I’m in remission and my dr. was very upbeat and happy that day so we feel upbeat and happy as well.  I will need to go see him every 12 weeks for the 1st year for exams.  No CT scans unless we see something that needs looking into.  We’ll take it.

Thanks again for sticking with me and caring about my post.  I promise to do better.  There will certainly be more to write as the weeks go by.  Summer weather is here, it’s in the 80s and we are happy about that.  Let’s keep them as long as we can for winter will bring the cold and pain in the neck conditions which I’m not too fond of any longer.    Take care all.

Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t written anything since we moved on Feb. 16.  We are here in MI now and things are moving along as we hoped they would.  We are still house sitting for our friends but soon we will have our own place to take our time moving into.  I have one more chemo left (April 16) and God willing that will be my last one ever.   These things are so nasty though, I really dread the last one…but who am I to complain…I am very blessed and I know it.  I just need the time to go fast after I get it.

The weather in MI is getting very nice, it’s supposed to be around 70 degrees tomorrow and nice the rest of the week.  Spring in MI is so beautiful, I had forgotten.  My focus is always on autumn.   I still have so many people I need to see, friends and family that are here too that I haven’t seen yet.  Once this chemo is over I’ll be able to make plans without hesitation.  Just a few more weeks!

I will admit, I’m missing spring in ABQ, it’s so pretty there with the mountains.  I’m sure my early flowers have bloomed in the back yard of our old house, which by the way we should be closing on very soon as well.  We have been blessed with our housing on this move.  Now if I could get my husband to slow down a bit, he’s so busy with work he’s always moving.  Guess that’s what happens when the Spartans keep winning and getting to the final 4.  They win, he gets busier.

Thanks for reading and caring.  I’m done for now..hopefully not to wait too long again to write to you.  Take care everyone! xo

The packers are here again today, it’s Monday 2/15.  The movers come load everything up tomorrow and we fly out on Wed…then we are officially not Albuquerque residents.  That makes me sad but I am very happy to be going to MI to be near all our family and friends again.  I’m feeling pretty good today, one week out from chemo.  I am very lucky to be getting through them as I am.  I hope that continues up at U of M, that’s my plan.

I have to say while I’m sitting here typing, I have enjoyed living here in Albuquerque very much.  It’s been my favorite place to live my whole life, except that it’s so far from family.  The mountains are so beautiful and our neighbors have been exceptional.  What a blessing to have good neighbors.  We will miss our friends very much as well, the people here are so friendly it was easy to make friends.  If one ever gets the chance to visit ABQ do it.  You will love it.

I will try to be better about writing more often, I say that every time but maybe I can get here more often from my perch in MI.  Hope all are well, thanks for caring and reading about my adventure.  Colleen

In the week before chemo I feel my best so I try to make the most of the time.  With moving coming up soon (Feb 16) there are plenty of things to take my time up.  I am enjoying spending some quality time with my neighbors, we have great neighbors.  I will miss them quite a bit, along with the views of The Sandia Mountains.  I have enjoyed those mountains more than I have said.  They are lovely.

So, I have plenty to do before my next chemo, this coming Monday.  Next week will be a sleepy one while my buddy Stephanie is here with me.  Next Friday the movers come to pack, Shelby and Mike come to help keep things moving in the right direction, and Sat. Scott gets here to do some things in his office before his stuff is packed and moved on Tues. the 16th.  It will be a crazy time and I will be happy to finally be in MI and have that part over with.  I’m not looking forward to the drive from here to there, cross your fingers and pray for no snow or ice to contend with during that time.

If you are wanting to call me, this would be a good week because next week I will be in chemo slumber and the week after that we move.  Otherwise we will be available by cellphone or at the house we will be house sitting directly (517 244 1145) after Feb. 19.

Hope you all are well.  As always thanks for checking in with me and caring.  Talk to you soon!

Well, it’s happening, I took a shower this morning and my hair is falling out but good.  I need to find a hairdresser who can cut it short for me until I decide if I want to shave it off later.  My hair has always fallen out my whole life, but this is in handfuls now, no mistake at all.  I wondered how long it would take, exactly 2 weeks in my case.    Thank goodness I already have my wigs and some hats to cover my head since it’s so darned cold.  I’m betting my head will even be a bit chilly inside the house too.  I have some scarves as well so they should help me a bit.

I’m still feeling fine, wondering if I’m gonna pick up anything from someone when I go on my brief outings.  The info from the nurses has almost made me a germ freak but I’m trying to keep it all in perspective and just do what I need to to protect myself without making it too big a deal.  According to my records, tomorrow is the day when I’ll most likely be at risk from catching anything so we’ll see.  After that my immune system should slowly get better before the next round of chemo, next Mon, Jan. 18. Then they will knock me down again that day…guess I gotta do it to be sure this doesn’t come back so that’s what I’m gonna do.  Too bad all this is happening during a large move across the country.  It’s not gonna be fun but we will get through it.

Been going through things at the house trying to lighten the load on the movers and us when we get settled in in a few months.  Man it always amazes me how much crap we have each time we move but at least we got rid of a bunch of things after we moved here so it shouldn’t be that bad this time…ya, shouldn’t be.  We’ll see.

Thanks again for reading and caring.  Hope you are well.

Colleen

Well, today was another day that felt more like normal.  The effects of the chemo aren’t able to be felt so much but my immune system may start to show some wear and tear.  I’ll find out hopefully by the end of the week what issues will be present, if any,  since I’ll be having a blood draw this Thursday to check white blood and red blood cell counts.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my levels are where they should be so I can keep  up the chemo schedule and be done with all this by April 12 which, if everything goes as planned will be the last chemo date.

Feeling pretty good though all things considered.  I’ll be 4 weeks out from the last big surgery this Thursday but that large incision still makes it’s presence known along with internal reminders of my last surgical date with my dr.  It’s a good thing I like him, trust him and appreciate  and trust his extensive experience and good nature because coming back from this surgery has been a bear.  What can you expect though when someone slices a hole in your abdomen and examines all your organs….my guess is you will feel it, and for some time….still…ugh.

Scott is in MI now in his new job.  I’m missing him more than I can express but know I’ll get through all this.  There is so much to consider on a move from NM to MI, then you add my chemo and all it’s concerns into the mix, makes for some interesting dreams at night.  It is what it is and we just keep going, stopping is not an option.  I still have so many things to think about, where we will live until I’m done with chemo (because I can’t go up to MI and look for houses right now), selling our current house, moving all our stuff…again.  Makes me tired just thinking about it, must be bed time.

Again, thank you everyone for caring to read what I write when I finally get myself to sit down and write it.  Sorry if I ramble and am more graphic than some can take but it’s what I’m thinking and I’ll be writing what I’m thinking for the most part.  It’s a blog after all.  See you next time.

I don’t know what day this is, all I know is that I’m starting to feel  a bit more like myself today and not wanting to sleep every hour.  Wow, they aren’t kidding when they talk about the extreme fatigue you feel the first couple of days after you get chemo.  I’m just trying to keep up with it all.  I am grateful for today and most of yesterday for not sleeping quite as much since Brandon and Stephanie are here with me and I want to visit too.  One more day….we’ll make the most of it!

The Queen is experiencing her first significant chemo side-effect: fatigue. Lots of napping yesterday and today. If she doesn’t answer her phone, that’s why.

Hi everyone, been neglecting my blog.  I guess feeling better makes you do that, I can move around more easily now so I’m doing other things and not sitting still as much, but…

The news today is it was my first chemo day.  I have to say that it went very well, better than I would have imagined.  They are giving me two different drugs and they do it one at a time, this being the first infusion  I have to say I was a bit nervous when Scott and I walked into Dr. Ampuero’s office at 9am.  I am fully prepared to fight this battle the best way I know how but this morning was daunting to say the least.

After some brief paperwork we got started.  They accessed my port, which was working like clockwork.  They first gave me  a good dose of Benadryl which made me pretty sleepy.  They then gave me a steroid.  Then they started the first drug, Taxil.  The Benadryl and the steroid were to help in case I had an allergy to the Taxil…which I did not.  I tolerated the infusion of it very well.  I did sleep for a while but after a short time I woke up and had lunch as it was 11:45am and I was hungry.  I ate lunch in he middle of it all which seemed pretty amazing to me.

At about 1pm the Taxil was finished and they started the Carboplatin which is better tolerated by folks generally so they could run it at a faster speed, I tolerated it well too.  We left around 3pm so it took about 6 hrs all totaled.  We’re told it doesn’t usually take that long for the rest of the visits.   The chemo nurses there are so wonderful that I almost feel like I’d like to finish out all 6 sessions here but I don’t think I want to be without Scott for that long.   We’ll see what Scott finds out when he goes to MI next week.  That will have a great deal to do with how I finish this.  We already have another dr. lined up to finish up in MI if and when it becomes necessary.

So, we come home from the dr’s office and have dinner, still no nausea.  They have improved the drugs in that area quite a bit.  They gave me a nausea drug that stays in my system for 4 days.  I also have others that I can use to stay ahead of it if it shows up.  I’m told the biggest thing I will deal with is the fatigue and immune situations.  There are lots of things to think about and plan for but I feel like I have it under control at this point.

I can’t believe it but it’s 11pm and I’m still up…and hungry.  I may have to go get something light to munch on, I never eat this late but I am a bit paranoid about getting nausea issues.    Time to hit the kitchen.

I’ll be back tomorrow with an update….keep your fingers crossed and as always, thank you for caring enough to read this.

Take care everyone.

Colleeen

Well, I’m starting to feel more like myself today, now starts the time when I will need to be careful not to over do it.  I’m still feeling the incision in my tummy very much but I feel more like myself today than I have since the second surgery, which I am grateful for.   I know that isn’t going to be the case when the chemo starts so I am making the most of these days.

Speaking of chemo, I will be talking with one of the oncology nurses tomorrow to schedule my chemo infusions.  At this point I’m thinking that I don’t want to wait to start them, why?  Get them going so I can be done sooner, forever I hope.  Plus I need to try to work them into Scott’s new schedule in his new job with MSU so he’s here when I need him the most.  We are thinking we will start them here and when there is a break and I’m feeling a bit better between the infusions we will make our move up to MI.  I hope that plan plays out like we think it will, we’ll find out.   Tomorrow will hopefully bring some clarity for us.  I will also be contacting the Dr. up in MI that I will be continuing with when we do move.  Lots to do, many calls to make, lots to think about.  Moving while on chemo therapy, who ever thinks they will have to do this?

I want to say how much I appreciated and enjoyed having one of my dearest friends in the world here for the past 4 days.  Stephanie, you bring so much company, compassion, entertainment and love with you where ever you go.  I know Danny and Erin missed you like crazy when you were here but it meant the world to Scott and me to have you here.  I needed the boot in the pants big time!  I had great fun watching you explore Old Town yesterday (from the nearest park bench).  Wish we’d gotten you guys out here sooner and under better circumstances.  I can’t thank you enough and I love you my sister….. my Elenor!

The one thing I hope people remember is that I’m just dealing with a disease, I’m not someone that doesn’t need to still be connected to people. Your messages and phone calls are always welcome, if I don’t answer I will get back to you.  Don’t worry about intruding, I will want your company.  I hope everyone is enjoying the season where ever they are and that the weather is cooperating with you if you’re still shopping.

Take care all, love ya!

Colleen